On April 12, masters from NRG Taekwondo Korea (led by Master No Rae) and approximately 20 young adults from the Hong Kong Elim Presbyterian Church (led by Pastor Kim Seongcheol under Senior Pastor Cho Yoon Tae) visited Evangel Children’s Home (ECH). The visit began with English worship songs and dances that the children could follow along with, creating an opportunity to build rapport with them. The taekwondo dance performance which followed helped open the children’s hearts even more, improving the atmosphere. The final Taekwondo demonstration by Master No and NRG Taekwondo masters brought everyone together in cheers and applause, creating a unified experience.
After all the performances concluded, Pastor Kim delivered a sermon to the children about Jesus’ cross in preparation for the upcoming Easter. Through his message that “God sent His Son Jesus to forgive our sins although we are sinners,” the children received the message of God’s unconditional love.
“Seeing the children here made me realize how precious the things I’ve taken for granted are,” said Sangju Lee, one of the NRG Taekwondo masters who joined the event. “I initially came with a simple mindset of volunteering, but the time spent with these children was valuable, and though I came to serve, I feel I received much more.”
Hyunseong Lee, from the young adults ministry of Elim Church, recalled: “If last year’s mural painting was about covering the children’s wounds with love, this year while creating frames to hold the children’s artwork, I felt that we should always hold these children in our hearts. Although we only meet these children once a year, I wanted to convey that Jesus always walks with them, and I realized we should always keep them in our prayers.”
Halim Kim, from the church university ministry, shared: “I had the opportunity to visit Evangel Children’s Home again this year after last year’s visit. While I remember approaching each other cautiously and awkwardly last year, this year the children approached me first, and I felt warmed by their reduced guardedness.”
“What particularly stands out in my memory was a child who told me about scoring 12 on her math exam. That cheerful and innocent expression made me smile too. Another child who could barely make eye contact last year due to trauma was smiling brightly this year, sharing dreams of becoming a doctor. When the children talked about school or made casual comments about who was good-looking, I realized these children are no different from kids outside—just ordinary, innocent children. Hearing that their favorite food is the Korean fried chicken we’ve shared in last year’s event, I learned gratitude from how they find joy even in the smallest things.”
“However, thinking about what scars and memories might chase these children throughout their lives weighs heavily on my heart. Nor do I know the reason why the child I’ve painted pictures with had to have her face blurred in the official photograph. I also got to know that due to government policy, the children must leave ECH when they turn 18. Though ECH provides a transition period to help them adapt to society, I find myself continuing to pray that they can pursue their dreams in the world ahead, walking with Christ.”
Hyunseo Kim, also from the church university ministry, shared: “The children I visited after a year left me with many new thoughts. Unlike last year when church members conducted activities separately, this volunteer opportunity allowed us to interact directly with the children, giving me a warmer feeling.”
“A child who was initially hesitant to even share their name when we started drawing activities later came to hold my hand, asked to take pictures together, climbed on me to jump, and was upset because they couldn’t eat at the same table with me. This made me think about how much heart and love we can share in such a short time.”
“After returning, I couldn’t begin to measure what wounds these children carry from their past, present, or future, but I found myself praying that they continue to share healthy minds and love through good relationships. I hope I remain a good memory for those children as their ‘big sister.’ I hope to have another opportunity to be with the children again!”
Master No Rae, who sponsors Evangel Children’s Home, served as the bridge between NRG Taekwondo and Hong Kong Elim Presbyterian Church again this year, following last year’s collaboration. Regarding his reasons for supporting ECH for multiple years, Master No explained, “When South Korea was poor in the past, there were missionaries who spared no love and care for that land, which is why South Korea exists as it is today and we can now live in an environment without lack.
Therefore, I believe we shouldn’t just end with what we’ve received, but should pass on the love we’ve received, which is why I sponsor these children. We don’t know what influence our taekwondo demonstration and praise dance shown today might have on these children in the future. Perhaps even one of these children might be touched and become a great person who passes on the love they received today. I hope that such a virtuous cycle of love continues.”
We hope that activities like this, where young adults can share their various gifts, will continue. We look forward to seeing how the precious hearts of these young adults toward the next generation will be conveyed to the children, continuing the virtuous cycle of love that Master No hopes for. Evangel Children’s
Evangel Children’s Home (ECH):
It was established in Hong Kong in 1956 by an American missionary. This NGO primarily helps orphans, children and youth from broken families to grow healthy and helps families with difficult background. Part of the donations are used for children through the ECH sponsorship program. www.ech.org.hk
www.ech.org.hk
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